ANA You Series: Moral Distress and You (PDF)

Moral distress among nurses is often the result of knowing the right course to follow, but not being able to act due to institutional constraints. The frequency and intensity of moral distress for nurses can vary based on many factors, including the practice setting and the nurse's perception of the ethical climate (Pauly, Varcoe, Storch & Newton, 2009). As a nurse, you must know how to recognize and effectively address situations that create moral distress. Arming yourself with the knowledge, skills and tools to effectively support moral environment and resilience can help you overcome issues of moral distress and enable you to provide better patient care. Moral Distress and You, the latest YOU! series publication, provides hands-on guidance and tools needed to do just that, including:Categorizing the moral issues for better understanding of the ethical concerns. Preventing incidents by helping to recognize the consequences of moral distress for you, your team and your patient. Identifying the key factors that contribute to moral distress. Building the necessary capacities to deal with moral distress. Learning how to utilize the Moral Distress Thermometer to track and assess moral distress. And much more. Nurses no longer need to adopt the pervasive narrative of disempowerment, despair and fear that surrounds morally distressing situations. Your experience with moral distress as a nurse is not a sign of failure but rather a signal of your commitments to your patients and the values of your profession. This booklet is an excellent resource to help you face the ethical challenges of moral distress. Order your copy today.